I Went on a Date with My Brother’s Friend – Turned out It Was a Trap

I felt my anger and humiliation rising. “I’m going to the bathroom,” I muttered, needing a moment to gather myself.

Inside, I leaned against the sink, taking deep breaths. My phone buzzed in my purse. A text from Adam: “How’s it going?”

I stared at the screen, unsure how to reply. How could I explain this disaster? I splashed water on my face, trying to steady myself. I had to go back and face the situation.

Stepping back into the dining area, Stewart was still arguing with the waitress. The manager was now involved, and the tension was thick. I returned to the table, my heart racing.

“Everything alright now?” I asked, my voice steadier than I felt.

Stewart turned to me, his anger barely contained. “They’re saying my card’s no good. Can you believe this?”

I swallowed hard. “Maybe we should just leave.”

“What? Just run out without paying the bill?” he muttered. “We can’t do that. Look at their security guard—he’ll catch us for sure. And this place looks like the sort that’ll press charges to make an example of us.”

I shook my head. “Then we’re stuck.”

The manager stepped in. “Sir, we need to resolve this. Do you have another form of payment?”